Serious accusation against ZDF commentator Oliver Schmidt (50). The “Values Initiative for Jewish-German Positions” speaks on Twitter of an “anti-Semitic image of Israel by the commentator”.
Schmidt had said in front of 6.37 million TV viewers at the international match against Israel: “The Arab Israelis have a difficult time in public. Then came the request of Israel’s new sporting director, Yossi Benayoun. He said he doesn’t want any political statements on social media (…) As long as the Arab athletes are silent, they will be accepted.”
Background: Among other things, the Arab-born Israeli professional Munas Dabbur (29 / Hoffenheim) was attacked in his own country for a political statement on Instagram, for which he later apologized. With his recommendation, Benayoun wanted to stop fueling the smoldering tensions.
Schmidt to BILD: “I described facts and classified them. No more and no less.”
► During the game, a man (28) gave the Hitler salute. He was identified by the police.